Walter Zeller Fellowship

1940, one year
after In the Kiwanis International Foundation was established as a legal
entity, Walter Zeller made the first donation: 25 Canadian silver dollars that
he hoped would turn into the foundation’s nest egg.

This donor’s dream
came true. Auctioned for US$625, his coins launched the Kiwanis International
Foundation’s worldwide service efforts. Thousands of donors later, the
foundation has grown into a multi-million dollar organization that awards
grants to Kiwanis clubs and underwrites life-altering worldwide service
projects.

A native of
Waterloo County (near the city of Kitchener, Ontario), Zeller was the founder
of Zellers chain of thrift stores. He began his business career in 1912 with a
job as a stock boy with the F.W. Woolworth Company, and was later the General
Sales Manager for the Metropolitan chain of stores for New York. He was
considered by co-workers to be energetic, forthright, and magnetic, and served
as director-at-large of the National War Savings Committee and a special
advisor to the chairman of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board.

Zeller gave much of
his life to philanthropy, serving as the Montreal Director of the YMCA and
staying involved in many capacities with his Kiwanis club. He served as the
Montreal President and Governor of the Ontario-Quebec-Maritime District.

On behalf of The
Eliminate Project, we are proud to honor Walter Zeller’s commitment to service
by creating the Walter Zeller Fellowship. This is a very
special opportunity designed exclusively for The Eliminate Project. You can
become a Walter Zeller Fellow by making a one-time gift or two-year consecutive
pledge of US$1,250 to The Eliminate Project. All Walter Zeller Fellows will
receive a special medallion, lapel pin and certificate. We encourage you to
join us to honor Walter Zeller by supporting The Eliminate Project as a Walter
Zeller Fellow.

Walter Zeller
Fellows receive a commemorative lapel pin and a medallion to wear. Walter
Zeller Fellows also receive a certificate and other forms of recognition to
commemorate their support of The Eliminate Project.

The Following
Individuals from the Kiwanis Club of Keyport were awarded this honor: